Software Engineer vs IT Support Specialist: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Software Engineer
Design, develop and maintain software systems and applications.
IT Support Specialist
Provide technical support for hardware, software, and networks.
Software Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $74,120/year (120%) higher than a IT Support Specialist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Software Engineer vs IT Support Specialist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Software Engineer | IT Support Specialist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $194,950 | $92,808 | Software +$102,142 |
| New York, NY | $166,830 | $72,917 | Software +$93,913 |
| Seattle, WA | $189,468 | $86,967 | Software +$102,501 |
| Austin, TX | $148,834 | $69,244 | Software +$79,590 |
| Chicago, IL | $149,966 | $64,877 | Software +$85,089 |
| Boston, MA | $176,542 | $79,215 | Software +$97,327 |
| London, UK | £73,942 | £47,998 | Software +$25,944 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$126,152 | CA$84,196 | Software +$41,956 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Software Engineer or IT Support Specialist earn more?+
A Software Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Software Engineer is $135,980/year, compared to $61,860/year for a IT Support Specialist — a difference of $74,120 (120%).
Which has better career growth — Software Engineer or IT Support Specialist?+
Software Engineer roles are growing at 25% YoY while IT Support Specialist demand is growing at 5% YoY. Software Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Software Engineer to IT Support Specialist?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Software Engineer or IT Support Specialist?+
Software Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (48% vs 71%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.